Early Show at Amnesia – Soul vs. Twang – Thursday, May 24, 2012

The brain child of Tony Sales and Mike Wolf (both of Misisipi Mike and the Midnight Gamblers), The Ardent Sons began as a shared love of 60’s RnB and Soul by the likes of Joe Tex, Sam and Dave, The Staple Singers and Little Richard. Sales and Wolf recruited Kevin White (Chuck Prophet), and Dave Flores (Midnight Gamblers), and together they found a sound as much rooted in the grind of the MC5 as in the voodoo of Dr. John, a line that connects the legacy of Stax and Muscle Shoals to the blue eyed RnB of the Small Faces and The Box Tops, with that extra touch that only Prince could provide. Its a fresh sound for fresh people. So, get ready.

Their sound has been compared to the Avett Brothers, Band of Horses, and Mumford and Sons, and Wheeler says they “have learned a lot from other bands, and we admire bands like Old Crow Medicine Show, Edward Sharp, Radio Head and Arcade Fire.”

Their artful lyrics resemble fables with veiled but relevant subjects.

“Ghost in the Valley” is woven with instrumental threads of glockenspiel, melodica and accordion, and was inspired by Texas border issues.

“Long Hard Road” is what it implies – the story of a man empty without religion or family and only grainy back roads. “Sleep When I’m Dead” is an easy boot-stomping swing about colorful weekends. And “Portraits,” their title track, lights their fresh motive of simplicity and honesty, as dusty as that truth may be: – Southern Pine Pilot

Formed in Austin, Texas, Wheeler Brothers have quickly emerged as one of Austin’s most exciting up-and-coming bands. The five-piece independent folk-rock act combines the indie vibe of Austin with the twang of Texas folk. Brothers Nolan, Tyler and Patick met Danny Matthews at LSU where they spent much of their time picking guitars and swapping stories in the bar rooms of Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Once back in Austin their magnetic sound was completed by the addition of lifelong friend and singer/songwriter A.J. Molyneaux. Each member brings his own ideas and sounds to the group, with styles blending indie rock, blues and folk.

Wheeler Brothers have been selling out major venues and climbing the charts of radio stations in “The live music capital of the world,” Austin, TX. Their first LP is slated for release prior to their Summer 2011 tour

Since their start in 2007, Yarn’s original Americana sound has developed into music that seekers of the unique see as the soundtrack to their lives. Yarn’s first four albums were recognized by the AMA’s and R&R radio charts, spending time in the top 5 at their highest point. Yarn has become one of the hardest-working and harder-touring bands for this generation’s digital natives and new music folllowers.

2012 brings this grammy-nominated roots band into the music revolution, inspired by today’s music devotee’s hunger for artists to believe in and follow, they are giving it to the fans everyday in everyway possible. Yarn’s devotion to their fans is realized in online and social sharing of their music, whether it’s daily video posts, premiering fresh songs on local radio, or performing live in small town venues across the country. They are bringing songs to American music lovers, and the music lovers are responding.

Yarn’s devoted followers, affectionately called the “Yarmy”, answered the band’s request for aid when they funded their new record through Kickstarter. Raising in excess of $5000 of the $15,000 needed, the “Yarmy” proved their allegiance to Yarn and their music being heard in 2012.

The fans have spoken, and on March 20th, Yarn releases their new album, Almost Home, produced by the multi-Grammy winning, Bil VornDick, who has worked with Alison Krauss, Ralph Stanley, Bob Dylan and many others. VornDick came across a Yarn performance at “Music City Roots”, Nashville’s progessive live music show that showcases some of the best of the Americana music scene. Although they didn’t come together that night, VornDick and his wife heard Yarn on a Virginia radio live remote a few days later as they were traveling. VornDick decided it must be a sign and the rest is Yarn history.

Yarn’s mojo continues to provide as they will be making their first appearance at SXSW in the New Frontier Showcase, and traveling in the “On the Fly” RV, courtesy of their 2012 sponsorship with Firefly Vodka. “It seems every good connection leads to another,” says Christiana, “our fan following has really put us in a place to get noticed and we want to repay them for the huge faith in us.” Yarn’s good karma keeps building, being in the right place at the right time. They were recently featured on CNN’s Out Front, during a cover story on Firefly Distilleries. The band just happened to be in town and their music made a believer out of CNN host, Erin Burnett, who, (as she sings along with the band), proclaims, “They are playing good music and living the American dream. We think Yarn is going to make it big!”

Yarn is led by singer/songwriter and cult-master, Blake Christiana, who carries the torch for the fan-following that will transport Yarn into the promised land. “Our fans are like family. We are so grateful to people that love music and will help support us in creating it. It’s just remarkable,” Christiana says. “That’s half of my love of the road; we’ve got what feels like family in tons of cities across America.”

Yarn’s devoted “family” has them following in the fine tradition of The Grateful Dead and Widespread Panic, whose fans will go to any length to see them live, and this year Yarn’s fans will see them plenty. Their rigorous tour schedule has them out on the road for more than 150 dates per year since 2007 and they are not slowing down.

For Yarn, discussion of life on the road goes right back to the audience and the fan’s benevolence. “They want us to survive and to keep creating music, so they will bring us into their homes, let us sleep in their beds, cook for us…the level of generosity is unbelievable,” says Christiana. The Yarn sextet doesn’t hold back when it comes to rewarding their followers for their loyalty. “We are so exposed to our fans…we don’t sit on the bus or hide in the green room, we are hanging out, drinking beer with them, going out after the show…if anyone wants to get to know us on a more personal level, it’s very easy,” admits Christiana. They also make sure that all their live shows are recorded and online for fans freely. “We have been doing that for a few years, and the fans love it,” says Christiana, “whatever it takes, we want to do for anybody that comes out to our shows.”

Is there a mark of success for Yarn? Christiana states it well, “To live comfortably and make music for our fans. I just want to be able to do what I love and eat…so maybe I’m already there,” he laughs, “we want to make good music and hopefully that makes someone else’s life better.”